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A gigantic dead turtle is not what Sidon beachgoers were expecting Saturday morning, but the recurrence of such a disturbing sight is raising concerns for the migrant population of turtles in south Lebanon.

A number of people reported that a huge turtle was found on Sidon's coast in the early hours of the morning, prompting municipality workers to swiftly remove it.

Maritime experts estimated that the turtle was likely over 100 years old.

In the past three years, at least six turtles have been found dead on the coast of Sidon and Tyre, but experts aren’t certain of the cause behind the rising phenomenon.

The most plausible reason is sea pollution, namely trash from a nearby dump for fishermen. Experts have warned that turtles eat plastic bags, thinking they are jellyfish

Lebanon’s south coast is a tradition safe haven for sea turtles, with several species arriving every year to lay their eggs between June and July.